Nebraska libraries have successfully enhanced public computer centers through a broadband project, resulting in significant increases in the number of computers and users. Moving forward, the focus will be on sustainability, using effective communication strategies to promote the message that 'books are just the beginning.' Libraries are encouraged to customize marketing materials and engage with their communities to maintain and grow their programs.

1. Books Are Just the Beginning
How can Nebraska libraries use this
campaign to communicate with their
target audience(s)?

2. And
Sustain all the good work they’ve done—developing
and enhancing public computer centers……
As of September 30, 2013:
• Active Phase of Library Broadband Builds Nebraska
Communities ends
• Results

3. Equipment, Computer Furniture & Software
Expended $2.3 Million on equipment, software & computer furniture
Final equipment deployment compared to original project application:
Actual Original
Desktop Computers 837 634
Laptop Computers 534 462
ADA Desktop Stations 81 59
Total Computers: 1,452 1,155 (126% of goal)
Printers 177 136 (130% of goal)
Scanners 169 154 (110% of goal)
Projectors 114 73 (156% of goal)
Laptop Charging Carts 43 33 (130% of goal)
Routers & Network Switches 275 288 (95% of goal)
Computer Desks & Chairs 1,325 1,251 (106% of goal)

4. Broadband Upgrades
122 libraries have received a broadband upgrade—31 of which were upgrades to fiber
(45 was our goal of which 5 were fiber)
(122 represent an 83% upgrade rate—goal was 31%)
Of the 122 upgraded, the average speed moved from 3.8 M to 20.4 M (a 16.6 M increase)
Electrical/Computer Technicians
63 instances of electrical/connectivity wiring upgrades at 47 libraries
85 equipment installations completed through contracts at 64 libraries
114 equipment installation visits by grant staff
Other
1,452 public computer workstations deployed—663 replacement & 789 new stations (9/30/13)
27,656 average public computer users per week at the 147 BTOP libraries in latest quarter
Over 85,000 total training hours provided at our libraries

5. What’s Next?
• Sustainability Phase begins
• Programming and Communication = KEY to
Sustainability
• Communication tools

8. For login password, email: Diane.R.Wells@nebraska.gov

11. Campaign Packet for Library Staff and
Volunteers
• Who are the best marketers to communicate
the message: Books are Just the Beginning?
• What are some ways to say, “Just Ask!”
• How can you use these materials?

12. Campaign Folder: Tools for Library Staff and Volunteers

13. Mousepads for Library Public Computer Centers

14. Staff and Volunteers wear buttons as
conversation-starters to tell community
members how Books Are Just the Beginning
at our library.

15. Customize bookmarks with
your library message.
Visit Your Library!
NEtown Public Library
333 Nebraska Ave.
NEtown, NE 33333
www.NEtownLibe.org
Sign up for
Health Insurance!
NEtown Public Library
Special Help Available
Thursdays, noon

16. Customize business cards
with your library message.
Call Your Library!
308-333-3333
Friend Your Library!
Facebook.com/NEtownlibe

17. NEtown Public Library
333 Nebraska Ave.
NEtown, NE 33333
www.NEtownLibe.org
Customize posters with
your library message

18. Outreach
• Share the message directly.
• Go where the customers are.
• Partner with organizations.
• Speaking engagements
• Interview shows
• Sponsorship of community events/activities
• Offsite seminars
• Offsite workshops
• Service club membership/presentations
• Other club memberships
• Offsite delivery of library services
• Offsite demonstrations
• Offsite displays
• Other

19. Inreach
• How can we create a sales/marketing force?
– Staff
– Volunteers
– Trustees
– Library Friends
– Library Customers…super-customers
• What tools can we give them?

20. Audience What Who When Results
Adults: 20s
and 30s
Business
Cards
Circulation
Staff/vol.
Every day f/
1 month
50% more
workshop
participants
Communicate about: Resume Writing Workshop at the library

21. Nebraska Library Commission
Reference Staff Practice “Just Ask!”

22. Contact Us
Mary Jo Ryan
Communications Coordinator
maryjo.ryan@nebraska.gov
402-471-3434
JoAnn McManus
Project & Program Coordinator
joann.mcmanus@nebraska.gov
402-471-4870